I say DONT GET A DUCATI as a first bike full stop.  It will end up costing loads more that a jap bike.  I had a TZR125 for a couple of years.  I then did my DAS (a few days on a GS500) and got an R6.  I got t-boned in April and replaced it with a 748.  Im only 22 so still feel like i have it all to learn but its true that you control the bike and not the other way around.  I nearly crashed the R6 in the first 5 mins because i was so scared of it but that feeling soon passed.
 
 While my 748 had a service they loaned me a 620ie monster which was ok for a couple of days but i was just bored of it after that.  
 
 I think that you will adapt to anybike you get within a few rides and as long as you treat the bike with some respect you will be fine.  I saw an ad in MCN for an SV1000 for 3K!!!!  Bargin mate The 650 is also def worth a look.  Better performance than the 750ss and cheaper to buy run and insure.